As a year-ender adventure, my husband and I decided to take our first step to the American soil by visiting hubby’s long-time friend in Minnesota. When we made known to our relatives our trip, the first question was, “What can you find in Minnesota?”. I wondered the same thing myself. Being a total rookie on international travel, Minnesota doesn’t hold any known “go-to” destination compared to places like New York and Las Vegas. So I was open to discoveries despite my hatred passion against winter cold.

We are very thankful to our gracious hosts for opening their home for us to stay during our first day in Minnesota. They also were generous in booking a hotel near the airport, driving us around Twin Cities, and making sure we’re well fed. 😀

Now, let’s start with the photo gallery of our trip to Minnesota.

Mall of America

Using the latest virtual flight ride technology and special effects such as wind, scents and moving seats, it will feel like you’re really flying. Be wowed as you soar over America’s most iconic landscapes during the 10-minute flight. My only complaint is it was too short. I would love it if the ride was made longer. Check out this attraction, it’s worth it.

Cathedral of St. Paul

The City of Saint Paul was known as the Pig’s Eye Settlement until in 1841, when the first Catholic priest in the area, Fr. Lucien Galtier, dedicated his log chapel on the bluff to Saint Paul, requesting that the settlement adopt the name as well. The Cathedral of Saint Paul is now a civic landmark and the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Paul and Minneapolis. Source: Webiste

Minnesota State Capitol Building

Stone Arch Bridge

The Stone Arch Bridge is a former railroad bridge crossing the Mississippi River at Saint Anthony Falls in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. This bridge offers a panoramic view of St Anthony Falls and is recognized as a National Civil Engineering Landmark.

Bentleyville

Billed as America’s Largest Free Walk Through Lighting Display, Bentleyville invites guests to stroll under the glow of over 4 million lights in a 20-acre park situated on the shores of Lake Superior, while enjoying complimentary hot cocoa, cookies, popcorn and roasted marshmallows! Source: Website.

This is the first winter attraction I’ve ever been too. Though the cold froze my fingers, made me shiver to the core, and made me almost want to burn myself over the hot coals, I enjoyed the attraction very much. And I also salute those children sitting on the ground right beside the bonfires, roasting marshmallows casually without any care in the world. I couldn’t sit on the cold ground for a few seconds!

Minneapolis Institute of Art

I love museums especially those related to art. So I was very happy when the hubby and I discovered this attraction. It took us about 3 hours to go about the whole museum, and that was exclusive of a special exhibit on Martin Luther King, which we didn’t have time to go to. MIA is a free, non-profit museum of visual arts from around the world. Ancient to modern.

So please pardon the number of images I took from MIA. I was in art heaven so to speak.

So what can I say about Minnesota? It has its own interwoven flavor of modern and historic culture that is distinctive to its own right that may not be at par with big cities but is charming to stroll in and explore. I would like to go back to it one day if only to discover what other cultural sites would be like in warmer climate. Minnesota will hold a place in my heart as my entryway to the United States. It’s a continuation to a Western travel adventure.